Western Kansas world., 1887-01-15

-on the lst DAY OF February each year.
Chis provision should Be changed % thai
- report required may be transmitted II
| Sas0n to be presented to the Legislature o.
- assembling.
| rAe state mine inspectors report for t;;s.
| - 1885 is herewith submitted. That fo1
| 4past calendar year cannot be transmit
| led until after the LIST of February, prox.
The coal mining industry in Kansas ha,
assumed vast proportions, employing thous-
snds of men and millions of capital. The
output of the mines for 1884 was q. SCI, ,OOC
b1shels; that for 1885 aggregated 5000, ,427
bushels; and that for 1886 will prob ably ex-
ceed $4,000, 900 bushels.
The present mine inspector has had q
long and valuable experience as a working
thorough knowle1 1ge O. the business qualities
him to suggest such practical safeguards az
are necessary to secure the safety and pro-
mote the health of the operatives in our
mines. His Recommendations concerning
needed changes in our mining laws, proper
ventilation and drainage Of mines, and the
machinery that should be supplied to guard
and commended to your consideration.
THE LABOR BUREAU.
The commissioner of labor statistics has
collected, and will present for your consid-
GRAFTON many important facts and statistics
relating to theinduetrial, commercial, sc cial,
educational and sanitary condition of the
laboring classes. / trust the information
and suggestions embodied in his report will
receive your careful consideration. The
statute books of Kansas contain more laws
designed especially to protect workingmen,
and to secure justice for them, than do those
Of any other state in the union. This
bene6oent Legislation began nearly twen-
ty-seven years ago with the adoption
homestead OF every citizen from forced sale.
under any process of law. 1t has continued
from year to year, as wrongs we're pointed
out and grievances presented, until, as I
have said, the statute books of the state en-
brace an unusual large number of acts de-
s:gaed to secure laboring men against the
encreachments of capital, and to provide
remedies for injustice done them. It should
continue until the removal of abuses and the
vindioation Of Justice is co nplete. Capital
has right to fair profits; labor has u right
to fair wages; and the laws should, if posi-
BILE, guarantee these rights to each. Self
respecting and law-abiding wJrkingnlen n
neither expect nor demand more than this,
and the just judgment of an intelligent peo-
pie will indorse any legislation having that
end in view.
BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.
The monthly and quarterly reports of the
state board of agriculture have maintained
the high standard of excellence that has al
ways distinguished the publications of that
department.. Its biennial report will soon
be issued, aud will furnish full details of the
agricultural and industrial development of
Kansas, the census of 1885 6, and many
other statistics and facts of general public
interest and value. This department has
been, and for years to come will be, invalu-
able to Kansas.
SILK CULTURE.
Several agricultural and kindred organiza-
tions have called my attention to the i'm
portance of encouraging silk culture in
Kansas. The Mennonite settlers in the
central portion of our state, who were ex-
tensive cocoon growers in their native land,
snd other citizens who have made practical
experiments in cocoon growing, agree that
the soil and climate of Kansas are specially
adapted to sericulture. In several foreign
this industry affords remunerative
to millions of rural and SUBJ
urban people. If it can be successfully con-
ducted in this state, its value can hardly be
estimated. Certainly the subject il worthy
of careful investigation, and respectfully
suggest that legislative committee be ap-
pointed to ascertain such facts as arc attain
sble, and to recommend such action as ma
Dc deemed necessary or advisable.
STATE RHETORICAL SOCIETY.
Large and valuable additions to the COL |
eotions of tho historical society have been |
made during the past two years. Its library |
low numbers S,0N volumes Of books, $50 |
'olumes of bound Newspapers AMI 1866 |
It has also accumulated vas. |
- ~svH<u
,apers, relics and pictures. There are now |
50 newspapers and periodicals published in |
his state, and the regular issues Of these ere |
II being preserved in the library of the 60
iety. It is doubtful whether any other state
# the union has been able to collect and |
reserve such full and interesting records of |
Is political, material, religious, educational
nd industrial progress as are those now in
barge of the Kansas society. These records
be legislature should make ample provision
or preserving them and for adding to the
elections.
THE STATES AGENT AT WASHINGTON.
The report of Hon. Samuel j. Crawford,
be states agent at Washington, embodies
lll information concerning various claims
Kansas against tho general government.
ONE of these claims have been finally
djusted; others are still pending. The sug-
estlons made by Governor Crawford touch
lg tho work in his charge should receive
our attention, and instructions should be
iven for his guidance in the further prose-
ation of claims in which the state and it's
eople are interested. He is thoroughly
amiliar with the rules and methods of the
arious departments of the general govern
lent, and has prosecuted the claims Of Kan.
ss with untiring industry and energy.
THE PRICE RAID CLAIMS.
All the information that can be furnished
these claims, is embodied in the
sport transmitted to the Legislature during
le special session of 1886. The facts ascsr-
lined and the recommendations made by !
le Price Raid commissi oners, in tha,
sport, are commended to your attention, a. !
re also the statements contained in the re- ,
ort of the states agent at Washington,
,uching the Same subject. |,
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
The state board of health submits report :
its proceedings, and of the efforts it has
ade to disseminate information concern.